As a child of the 80s, I was transported back in time when I discovered Cape Town’s recently opened Rollercade, writes Gasant Abarder. In this #SliceofGasant, I’m taking you through my expert rollerskating skills that confirm why the decade was the greatest ever! And you can fight me on that.
Abarder, who recently launched his book, Hack with a Grenade, is among the country’s most influential media voices. Catch his weekly column here, exclusive to Cape {town} Etc.
I was jolted into reality just last night when I worked out that I was actually 44. Maybe it’s because I was on holiday in Sun City over my birthday in February. Or maybe it was because I was lying to myself (and to others) that I was still 43.
The reason I’m lamenting my age, dear reader, is because over the last decade or so I’ve had the fear of mortality creep into my being. It became apparent a few years ago when I was driving a dubious French car in rainy weather on the approach to Sir Lowry’s pass, Cape Town bound. Each time the traction control light flashed I went slower. I had lost my nerve.
I lost my nerve on the ice rink many years ago after seeing someone bash their head falling backwards on the ice and having a finger skated over. Just before lockdown, I braved the ice again and loved every second of overcoming that particular fear.
Last Saturday night, I was invited to a 40-something birthday party at the recently opened Rollercade at the V&A Waterfront. It was an 80s-themed bash and I was there for it.
Now, if you know me well you’ll know that I revere the 80s as – culturally at least – the best decade ever. Well, quite apart from the dodgy fashion, PW Botha and apartheid, and Maggie Thatcher. I wore a custom-made Michael Jackson ‘Beat it’ red leather jacket with a million zips to my own 40th bash.
What was not to love? It was the days of Ashley Kriel and students bringing us to the brink of our liberation with their activism. Michael Jackson was still black. Coca-Cola produced the most amazing yo-yos. He-Man and the Masters of the Universe. The A-Team on telly where no one died despite the volley of bullets and explosions in each episode. Dallas and Dynasty and our favourite shows dubbed into Afrikaans (in English on Radio 2000).
The milky left us real milk and fresh juice in glass bottles on the doorstep and nobody stole them. The cowboy in the Tex ads could actually shoot bullet holes in the chocolate centre because it was that generous. And all the Pac-man and other arcade games you could handle for just 20 cents a go.
And the music! Wow, it’s a treasure trove. Wham, A-ha, Duran-Duran, Depeche Mode and Sowing the Seeds of Love by Tears for Fears – arguably the best-arranged track ever made after Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
The music brings me back to the Rollercade and the 80s because the soon-to-be 60-something DJ was spinning all the classics.
Now, I can’t do many things well. I fancy myself as a footballer but I’m not going to set the world alight. I could never quite hack it in cricket. And my gaming skills are not up to scratch. But boy, can I roller skate! There I was – with better control on eight wheels than blades for ice – living my best life. It is my 80s upbringing. I laced up those skates and after a few seconds of finding my feet, so to speak, it was… well… like riding a bike again.
With no fear at all, I danced my way through the Saturday night crowd at the Rollercade. It’s a fantastic venue located in the basement of Battery Park and a great way to have some good, clean fun. Imagine an entire basement parking lot transformed into a giant roller rink with chill-out areas, spaces to throw a party, pool tables, arcade games and great music.
Rollerskating is a great workout. I felt muscles aching that I forgot I had. But it was the most incredible feeling of freedom and unadulterated fun I had in a while in my 80s-style rolled up cuffs on my jeans, t-shirt and biker jacket. I was a kid again as I secretly giggled at the posers who couldn’t skate.
I’m going back this weekend. In some more ridiculous attire that is way too young for me. It was acceptable in the 80s. And the kids are making it acceptable now with their ridiculous retro outfits. Gotta love the 80s!
Rollercade @ Battery Park:
- Location: V&A Waterfront, Alfred St, Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, Cape Town
- Website: rollercade.co.za
- Cost: R150 for a 2-hour session (includes rental of skates and safety gear).
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Picture: Gasant Abarder
